Farhad Ghadiri, Moslem Bahmani, Abbas Bahram,
Volume 15, Issue 29 (4-2025)
Abstract
Aim: One of the recent research challenges in the field of attentional focus instructions, are the study of its effects on the performance of elite athletes in continuous tasks. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of different attentional focus instructions on performance of agility in elite futsal players.
Methods Participants included 12 elite futsal players (mean age 23.91±1.56) that were selected from the first league of Division Qom via convenience sampling method. Participants were asked to perform the agility L run test under three attentional focus instructions (the internal, external and control) in three trials. Rrepeated measure Analysis of Variance and paired t test were used for analysis of data.
Result: The results showed a significant effects of the type of attentional focus instructions on test execution time. Analyses showed that performance in the external focus of attention was higher than the internal focus conditions. Also, the result demonstrated that there is no significant difference between internal focus of attention and control conditions, and also between external focus of attention and control condition.
Conclusion: The results of this study provide evidence that in skilled athletes, executing the continuous tasks improve through verbal instructions that conduct focus of attention externally.
Mohammad Taghi Aghdasi, Behzad Mohammadi Orangi, Rsoul Yaali,
Volume 15, Issue 29 (4-2025)
Abstract
Aim: Inclusive education refers to the placement of people with disabilities alongside their peers. Recent studies have found this method to be effective when it comes to manipulating the environment. The study investigated the effects of an inclusive education learning method applied in an extracurricular physical education to promote self-esteem and motor proficiency in a child with developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD).
Methods: The research is a critical case study that involved one obese boy with DCD (age =8 years, height=127 cm and weight =33 kg) who participated in physical education activities with 14 other children without disability over a period of 9 weeks. Three tools, Cooper Smith self-esteem questionnaire, developmental coordination disorder questionnaire and Bruininks-Oseretsky-2 test and semi-structured interviews were used to collect data.
Results: Results of semi-structured interviews showed independence, belief, pleasure, family relationships, educational relationships, and social relationships improved. The Cooper Smith questionnaire also showed general (10 score), family (5 score), social (4 score), and educational self-esteem (6 score) increased. While motor proficiency increased (9 score), the body mass index decreased (1.24 score).
Conclusion: Results emphasized the importance of applying nonlinear pedagogy in physical education by manipulating the environment and the task without direct instructions and feedback in inclusive settings.
Yaser Khanjari, Elahe Arab Ameri, Mehdi Shahbazi, Shahzad Tahmasebi, Fariba Bahrami,
Volume 15, Issue 29 (4-2025)
Abstract
Aim: Although much research has been conducted on the concept of motor learning at the performance level, this concept has not been investigated at the level of EMG patterns and the comparison of these patterns in the dominant and non-dominant hand. The aim of this study was to investigate simultaneous changes in EMG pattern during learning dart skill in dominant and non-dominant hands.
Method: The participants of the present study consisted of 10 non-athlete students with a mean age of 23 ± 2.5 years who were randomly selected from the student community of the University of Tehran and divided into two groups of dominant hand (5) and non-dominant hand (5). Repeated measures ANOVA were used to measure data at the dart throwing performance and changes in EMG activity.
Results: The results showed a significant decrease in the absolute error of dart throwing at the performance level and an increase in EMG activity at the muscle level along with a decrease in muscle co-contraction in the acquisition and retention stages in both groups. Also, there was no significant difference between EMG activity in the dominant and non-dominant hand groups after skill acquisition.
Conclusion: Generally, the results of this study showed that along with relatively constant changes in performance during dart skill learning, relatively constant changes in EMG patterns also occur, so that the concept of motor learning is also observed at the muscle level. Also, the results of this study supported the existence of the same motor program for dominant and non-dominant hand control, even in the conditions of bilateral transfer control.
Maryam Khalaji, Mahin Aghdaei, Alireza Farsi, Alessandro Piras,
Volume 15, Issue 29 (4-2025)
Abstract
Objectives: Using auditory concurrent feedback with the goal of gaze path learning is a novel method in the attention field. The present study aimed to determine the effect of bisensory feedback using eye movement sonification on the decision-making of the badminton clear shot direction.
Method: In a semi-experimental strategy, with pre-post design without a control group and clinical method, participants performed recognizing the direction of the shot under unisensory and bisensory training conditions. Response accuracy, response time, and fixation duration were measured in the pre-test, immediate retention, and delayed retention.
Results: The results showed that in the immediate and delayed retention, the bisensory group had higher response accuracy and shorter response time than the unisensory group. The bisensory group had a longer fixation duration in key areas than the unisensory group in both times.
Conclusion: The use of auditory feedback can probably be considered as a way to improve decision-making skills at the novice level.
Mehdi Babapuor, Jalal Dehghanizade,
Volume 15, Issue 29 (4-2025)
Abstract
Introduction: Motor learning has been measured differently based on two essential factors of OPTIMAL theory (autonomy support and increased expectations). Giving choice has been widely used in this field, but it has not been fully investigated in the learning of throwing skills according to these two factors.
Purpose: The present study aimed to investigate the benefits of giving choices using the order of practice choice on learning the putting accuracy skills and the psychological components of perceived autonomy and self-efficacy beliefs.
Method: In this quasi-experimental study, 24 novice participants with a mean age of 24.87 ± 3.26 were randomly assigned to experimental (n=12) and yoked (n=12) groups. Immediately after a 10-trial pretest, participants practiced three new tasks (visual cues, auditory cues, chest bar) to putt a golf ball into the center hole in six blocks. Then, the learning was measured during a 24-hour follow-up period under conditions completely similar to the pretest (10 trials).
Findings: The study assessed participants' skill accuracy, perceived autonomy, and self-efficacy across all three experimental phases. Mixed-design analysis of variance revealed that the order in which practice was structured significantly influenced golf putting accuracy, self-efficacy, and perceived autonomy (p ≥ 0.05).
Conclusion: The possibility of task-related small choices enhances perceived autonomy self-efficacy and, which leads to improved motor learning. Therefore, these findings are consistent with optimal theory.
Afsane Nejad Ghani, Mohammad Kazem Vaez Mosavi, Saleh Rafie,
Volume 15, Issue 29 (4-2025)
Abstract
Introduction and Aim: Physical literacy is a topic that has attracted the attention of sports and health science researchers in recent years, and research is necessary and important to promote physical literacy. In this regard, the aim of this study was to the effect of physical education classroom of dynamic schools on the development of physical literacy of 9-year-old students.
Methods: To achieve this goal, one class from dynamic schools (31 people) and one class as control group (34 people) were selected. To assess physical literacy, the Canadian Assessment of Physical Literacy was used, which evaluates general body literacy as well as the subcategories of daily behaviors, knowledge and understanding, physical competence, and motivation and self-confidence.
Results: The results of covariance analysis showed that there is no significant difference between the two groups for the variable of daily behavior (p=0.506) and knowledge and understanding (p=0.052). But this difference is significant on physical competence (p=0.010), motivation and self-confidence (p=0.01) and the total score of physical literacy (p=0.000). With this solution, all variables improved more in the experimental group than the control group from pre-test to post-test.
Conclusion: In general, the results of this study confirmed the positive impact of dynamic schools on physical literacy, which reveals the need to pay attention to the activities of dynamic schools. And its results can be used in schools and kindergartens.
Hasan Alikhani, Samira Naziri Nilash, Asiye Mirza Aghajani, Narjes Sayari,
Volume 100, Issue 100 (10-2020)
Abstract
Perceptual-motor skills form the foundation for advanced future skills. This study aimed to investigate the effects of perceptual-motor programs on Stroop performance and the enhancement of the theory of mind in 8-12-year-old girls in Rasht. The research utilized a semi-experimental design with pre-test and post-test and a control group. A total of 24 children, with a mean age of 10.5 ± 1.2 years, were selected via convenience sampling and randomly assigned to experimental and control groups (n=12 each). The training protocol consisted of 16 sessions of 45 minutes over eight weeks, focusing on balance, spatial awareness, temporal awareness, body awareness, and orientation exercises. Stroop performance was assessed using a computerized Stroop test, and the theory of mind was evaluated using Sternman’s 38-item scale. Data were analyzed using independent t-tests in SPSS-23 software (p<0.05). Results indicated significant improvements in the experimental group compared to the control group in emotion recognition and pretend play (p=0.023), understanding false beliefs (p=0.011), understanding humor and secondary false beliefs (p=0.048), and Stroop effect time (p=0.015). These findings suggest that perceptual-motor programs can enhance Stroop performance and the theory of mind in children.
Ms Soosan Taabodi, Dr Shahzad Tahmasebi Boroujeni, Dr Marjan Namjoo,
Volume 100, Issue 100 (10-2020)
Abstract
Previous research has indicated the effectiveness of parent-based and instructor-based interventions on children with developmental coordination disorder, but investigation of these two approaches in mentally retarded children has not been considered until. The purpose of this study was to compare the parent-based and instructor-based educational approach on motor proficiency and cognitive development of children aged 7 to 10 years with educable mentally retarded. 40 children with educable mental retardation in Jahrom city were selected by available sampling method and were divided into two experimental groups of parent-based (7.7±1.80) and instructor-based (8.10±0.91). In pre-test, participants performed a cognitive development test (my brain cognitive intervention software). After, all participants were tested motor proficiency (Bruininks Ozertsky) in school environment. The intervention for instructor-based group was done individually by the teacher in school and for the parent-based group, the intervention was done by parents at home. The intervention was performed for both experimental groups for 6 weeks and 3 sessions of 45 minutes each week. Analysis of variance was used to analyze the data. The results of data analysis showed that instructor-based exercises compared to parent-based exercises can improve motor proficiency, cognitive development (P≤0.05). Parent-based exercises can as well improve fine skills (P≤0.05).
Zahra Bari, Mahin Aghdaei, Alireza Farsi, Hamidreza Kobravi,
Volume 100, Issue 100 (10-2020)
Abstract
The aim of present study was to determine the effect of different levels of balance task difficulty and muscle pattern sonification on balance elderlies. eleve healthy elderly mean age 66/09± 2/26 yr were selected voluntarily. The study inclusion criteria included no structural postural problems, lack of lower extremity fractures over the past six months, no uncorrected visual impairments, no vestibular disorders, and no use of nerve medications, narcotics, alcohol, and any substance leading to dizziness or lack of focus and affecting balance
Participants were asked to stand still on a stable platform under two conditions (with sonification of muscle activity pattern and without feedback) in three difficulty levels (6, 8, and 10). Stability index scores (Overall, Anterior- Posterior and Medial- Lateral) were calculated by Biodex Balance System. The duration of each test was 20 seconds and rest times were 10 seconds. Results showed that with increasing task difficulty, scores of overall balance ,Medial- Lateral balance and Anterior- Posterior balance. In addition, There was a significant reduction in the scores of Overall balance (p= 0/005), anterior - posterior balance (p= 0/002) and medial - lateral balance (p= 0/022) and sonification of muscle activity pattern condition compared with without sonification of muscle activity pattern condition in the level of 6. Overall, the results of this study showed that increasing task difficulty increases postural sway, and the availability of sonification of muscle activity pattern can improve balance and reduce postural sway.
Keywords: Electrical activity, Stability index, Biofeedback , Task Difficulty
Dr Zahra Pooraghaei Ardakani,
Volume 100, Issue 100 (10-2020)
Abstract
Abstract
Introduction : The present study aims to analyze research articles from the past decade in the field of attentional focus among children and adolescents using a scientometric approach.
Methods: This descriptive and review-based study utilized a specific search strategy in the Web of Science (WoS) citation database. A total of 29 relevant articles on attentional focus published between 2013 and 2023 were selected and analyzed using HistCite and VOSviewer software.
Resultss: The findings revealed that the main research topics included motor performance, motor learning, and motor control, with a predominant emphasis on external focus of attention. Moreover, research attention toward adolescents was found to be lower compared to children. The most active journals in this field were Human Movement Science and Psychology of Sport and Exercise. Prominent authors such as Wulf, Abdollahipour, and Pesta received the highest number of scientific citations. In terms of international collaboration, countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia were leading, with the U.S. showing strong connections with Iran and the Czech Republic, playing a key role in scientific networks.
Conclusion: The results indicate that the role of attentional focus instructions in motor learning and performance particularly in children and adolescents is an emerging and evolving area. However, attentional instructions in these age groups, who possess developing cognitive characteristics, have been understudied so far. This analysis emphasizes that enhancing international collaboration and focusing on existing research gaps can pave the way for future investigations.
Keywords: Sports performance, children and adolescents, cognitive development, attentional strategies, scientometric study
Abstract
Introduction : The present study aims to analyze research articles from the past decade in the field of attentional focus among children and adolescents using a scientometric approach.
Methods: This descriptive and review-based study utilized a specific search strategy in the Web of Science (WoS) citation database. A total of 29 relevant articles on attentional focus published between 2013 and 2023 were selected and analyzed using HistCite and VOSviewer software.
Resultss: The findings revealed that the main research topics included motor performance, motor learning, and motor control, with a predominant emphasis on external focus of attention. Moreover, research attention toward adolescents was found to be lower compared to children. The most active journals in this field were Human Movement Science and Psychology of Sport and Exercise. Prominent authors such as Wulf, Abdollahipour, and Pesta received the highest number of scientific citations. In terms of international collaboration, countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia were leading, with the U.S. showing strong connections with Iran and the Czech Republic, playing a key role in scientific networks.
Conclusion: The results indicate that the role of attentional focus instructions in motor learning and performance particularly in children and adolescents is an emerging and evolving area. However, attentional instructions in these age groups, who possess developing cognitive characteristics, have been understudied so far. This analysis emphasizes that enhancing international collaboration and focusing on existing research gaps can pave the way for future investigations.
Keywords: Sports performance, children and adolescents, cognitive development, attentional strategies, scientometric study
Saeed Arsham, Mohammad Garavand, Abbas Bahram,
Volume 100, Issue 100 (10-2020)
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of the type of goal setting and self-recording on acquisition and self-regulation learning of basketball free throw. Seventy middle school student boys were selected for available and randomly allocated to 6 experimental groups and one control group. A factor ANOVA with a significant level of 5% (p < 0.05) was conducted to analyze the self-efficacy and performance data in acquisition and retention tests. The results showed that the goal-setting with the self-recording group has a higher self-efficacy and performance than the goal-setting without self-recording and the control groups in acquisition and retention test of basketball free throw. This research showed that a variety of goals can begin to combine and cause positive results in performance and learning. Self-recording is important for performance and self-efficacy and can be easily taught and used during physical education sessions.
Ali -Akbar Behesht-Aeen, Usef Garmanjni, Gholamhosein Nazemzadegan,
Volume 100, Issue 100 (10-2020)
Abstract
Background: Firefighters encounter critical and hazardous situations that necessitate optimal and rapid performance during emergencies. Given the complexity of their responsibilities and the psychological pressures stemming from daily tasks, it is crucial to investigate methods to enhance their performance. This study aimed to assess the impact of mindfulness exercises on the coordination, executive functions, and specialized motor skills of firefighters.
Aim: The study utilized a semi-experimental design with pre-test and post-test assessments.
Methodology: This study was a quasi-experimental design with a pre-test and post-test involving a control group. The statistical population consisted of firefighters from fire stations in Shiraz province, and six stations were selected using a multi-stage cluster sampling method from a total of 24 stations. Thirty firefighters were matched based on their pre-test scores and randomly divided into two groups of 15 each: a control group and an experimental group. The experimental group received mindfulness training for eight weeks, with three 30-minute sessions each week. The assessment tools included the Grooved Pegboard Test, the N-back Test, and specialized motor skill tests for firefighters. The data were analyzed using Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA).
Results: The mindfulness intervention significantly improved the experimental group's performance in coordination (p < 0.001), specialized motor skills (p = 0.044), and executive functions (p < 0.001). However, no significant difference was observed in pipe opening/closing tasks (p = 0.087).
Conclusion: Mindfulness exercises may enhance critical abilities in firefighters and could inform the design of effective training programs.
Abbas Bahram, Saeed Arsham, Moslem Bahmani,
Volume 100, Issue 100 (10-2020)
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the role of attention in skilled performance in real conditions, using a mixed-method study. Fourteen expert judo player participated in the study. The stimulated recall was used in the qualitative phase of the study to explore athletes’ attention in real competitive conditions. In the quantitative portion of the study, number and percentages of foci in preparation phase, execution phase, and total (preparation +execution) were associated with performance movement time. Our results indicated that while attention during execution phase was not associated with performance time, attention in the preparation phase was associated with better performance time. specifically, less attentional cues with higher percentages of focus on the opponent resulted in more quick performances. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate that focus on opponent during preparation phase is associated with superior technique execution during real competitions.
Hamed Sabzevari, Farhad Ghadiri, Abbas Bahram, Rasol Yaali,
Volume 100, Issue 100 (10-2020)
Abstract
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between motor competence, cardiovascular fitness test and physical activity of adolescents with the role of mediation of perceived competence. The research sample consisted of 386 adolescent boys. Perceived competence was measured using Physical Ability scale of the short form of the Marshall Self-Descriptive Questionnaire (2010). From the pedometer And physical activity questionnaire for older children was used to measure physical activity, and using Bruininks-Oseretsky Test test for measuring motor competence and a 1600-meter test for cardiovascular fitness test. The results showed a significant correlation between motor competence, perceived competence, cardiovascular fitness test and physical activity. Perceived competence mediates association between motor competence and physical activity, fitness and cardiovascular fitness test. Finally, the results of the model showed that perceived competence had the most impact on the participation of adolescent physical activity. Also, motor competence has a greater effect on cardiovascular fitness test than perceived competence. According to the results of the research, educational programs should be designed and designed according to the importance of motor competence and perceived competence to improve participation of physical activity and physical fitness of adolescents.
, , ,
Volume 100, Issue 100 (10-2020)
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of learning methods analogy and explicit on the skill of the prediction service in volleyball at the time fatigue. To this purpose, 40 female students , with the range of age 18 to 24 years for the sample sampling and a simple random in four groups: learning to manifest peppy, learning explicit tired, learning analogy peppy and learning analogy tired were divided. Participants of the group learn the analogy method of simulating skills and group learning explicit from the traditional method to performing the service, hammer, volleyball. To apply the fatigue protocol Lee Owens was used. Also, to predict the extent, accuracy, and speed of execution of the participants of the software super lab was used. Data were analyzed using the test of analysis of variance two-way analysis of was. The results showed that, the effect of fatigue, the type of practice, and the interactive effect of fatigue - training on the speed prediction in the efforts to correct and the impact of fatigue , the type of training , and the interactive effect of fatigue-training on the speed prediction in efforts mistake was not significant. But the interactive effect of fatigue - practice the accuracy of prediction in the efforts to correct the (p=0/002), and the effect of the type of exercises in the wrong attempts (P=0/019) was significant. According to the results it can be said that the effect of fatigue on the accuracy of prediction depends on the type of learning (learning analogy) is an adopted person.
Abbas Bahram, Sared Arsham, Moslem Bahmani,
Volume 100, Issue 100 (10-2020)
Abstract
Few studies have investigated dimensions of attention out of laboratory settings. The aim of this study was to investigate the interaction between internal/external and associative and dissociative attention and its role in expert judo players’ technical performance during competition. mixed method approach with parallel-design was used. In the qualitative section of the study, expert judo players’ attentional strategy was explored using self-confrontation interviews. In the quantitative part of the study, differences between reported foci in successful versus unsuccessful trials was tested. Analysis of interview transcripts revealed that expert judo players had more focus on external-associative dimension in both preparation and execution phases. In addition, results of chi-square test indicated a significant difference between judo players’ focus of attention in successful versus unsuccessful trials (p < 0.05) with more focus on external-associative attention in successful trials. In conclusion, while this study does not support use or advantages of dissociative attention in skilled performers, provided more support for constrained-action hypothesis as indicated more use and advantages of adopting an external-associative focus for expert level judo players.
Mr Mohsen Mohammadi, Dr Abbas Bahram, Dr Saeeid Arsham, ,
Volume 100, Issue 100 (10-2020)
Abstract
The purpose of this research was to investigate the structure of the ball behavior in the futsal teams during the offensive phase. The type of research was observational and the data extracted from the 12 games in the training matches of the players of the futsal resistance team present at the Premier League matches of 97-98 were recorded and analyzed. Using the SOCNET software, the values of the cluster coefficient were calculated and using the MATLAB software, Shannon entropy values for each team were calculated. The results showed that by increasing the number of training sessions, the values of the cluster and entropy coefficient of Shannon increased in both teams and there is a moderate correlation between the values of the cluster coefficient and Shannon entropy was observed with the number of training sessions. In general, and according to the results of this study, the functional variability of ball behavior patterns increased with training and team experience, and the level of complexity and unpredictability of the team network increased. According to the sensitivity of the behavioral patterns of the ball to the effects of training, sport analyzers can use the information from this level of analysis to explain the team's synergistic behaviors in futsal teams.
Ms Fateme Nokhostin Sham, Asbi, Dr Farhad Ghadiri, Dr Rasoul Yaali, Behzad Mohammadi Orangi,
Volume 100, Issue 100 (10-2020)
Abstract
Obesity is associated with a variety of diseases and efforts to reduce its problems are important. The purpose of this study was to comparison the effects of local native games (game-based interventions) and selected motor-based interventions (skill-based interventions) on the fundamental movement skill of preschool-aged obese girls in Tehran. This study was a semi-experimental with a pretest-posttest design. Thirty obese girls were selected in a targeted way. They divided into control groups, selective motor and local native games interventions. World Health Organization charts were used to determine the rate of obesity and the TGMD-3 test was used to measure the fundamental motor skill. Experimental groups practiced two sessions in week and per session one hour for nine weeks. The control group performed their usual activities during this period. Data were analyzed using covariance analysis. The results showed that there was a significant difference between groups at post-test (p = 0.000); analysis of variance and LSD test were used to examine differences between groups. The results showed that there was a significant difference between skill-based and game-based intervention groups in the TGMD-3 test in displacement scores. Whereas skill-based intervention had more effect than game-based intervention (P = 0.04), but the effect of two training methods for ball skill on the TGMD-3 test was not significantly different (P = 0.71). Also, both training groups had more effect on the dependent variables than the control group (p <0.05). Based on the results of the present study, it seems that both interventions are effective in reducing motor problems in obese children as both groups performed better in posttest than control group. This confirms the role of physical activity in reducing obesity in obese people. However, it is better to use selected motor interventions in accordance with the results of this study for movement skills.
Ms Elham Radmehr, Dr Shahab Parvinpour, Dr Rasoul Yaali, Dr Farhad Ghadiri,
Volume 100, Issue 100 (10-2020)
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine the role of structured conversation and observation on the effectiveness of the dyed practice on motivation and the accuracy in learning the skill of Golf putt. The research participants consisted of 40 female students randomly divided into four groups: observation-conversation, observation, conversation and control. Participants should hit the Golf ball to the target area. During the training period, subjects completed 60 acquisition attempts, 10 retention attempts to measure the participants’ motivation before the beginning of the training and before the acquisition and retention phases
. one-way ANOVA and to examine the role of the mediator on the accuracy of the scores of execution Hayes test was used. The results showed that motivational values were significantly higher in conversation-observation group compared to other groups, and also The mediation role of motivation was not significant in the implementation of acquisition and retention efforts. Regarding the results of this study, coaches are advised to consider both verbal and observational
information sources in the presentation of dyed practice
.
Mehran Davoodi, Elahe Arab Ameri, Mehdi Shahbazi,
Volume 100, Issue 100 (10-2020)
Abstract
The purpose of the present study was to investigate Effect of self-regulation from biofeedback exercises on the learning of dart throwing skill under pressure conditions. Participants were 28 undergraduate male students of the University of Tehran who were selected in an accessible manner as they were right-handed and had no experience in dart throwing and working with biofeedback devices. These numbers were randomly divided into four groups of visual, auditory, combined and control biofeedback. The number of biofeedback training sessions was 4 sessions with pre-test, post-test and retention sessions in 4 weeks. The results of analysis of covariance and mixed analysis of variance with repeated measures showed that visual, auditory and combined biofeedback training had a significant effect on the learning of dart throwing skills under pressure (P <0/05). According to the research findings, it is suggested to use biofeedback of temperature and galvanic response of the skin, visually, audibly or in combination, to learn darts throwing skills and skills similar to and close to darts throwing skills, as well as feedback of biofeedback sessions. Prioritize the combination biofeedback to see the best results.